No matter how many times some people are told, they continue to text and drive but no one is invincible. Distracted driving is a growing concern and one we should take very seriously.
Starting on January 1, 2019, the laws in Ontario for distracted driving will be getting tougher.
If you are caught texting or using any device while you’re behind the wheel, you will face serious penalties.
The crackdown…here’s what you can expect:
- A $3,000 fine (on your third conviction)
- 6 demerit points (on multiple offences)
- Licence suspension for 30 days (on your third conviction)
You might think you have a few chances until you experience the harsh punishments, however, first-time offences will also be met with harsh fines. If you get caught, you can expect a $1,000 fine plus 3 demerit points.
All this talk about fines and demerit points...but do you know what the worst penalty of all would be? Killing yourself or someone else. There isn’t an Instagram filter nice enough to pretty up that image. One in ten fatal crashes in Canada is as a result of distracted driving. Don’t risk your life and the lives of other drivers by driving while distracted.
What counts as distracted driving?
- Using your phone to talk or text
- Checking a map
- Eating
- Typing something into a GPS
Distracted driving statistics
According to the statistics on the Government of Ontario’s website, deaths from collisions caused by distracted driving have doubled since 2000. A driver using a phone is four times more likely to crash than a driver focused on the road. Also, every half hour, one person is injured in a distracted-driving collision.
How to avoid distracted driving
- Switch your phone to silent mode or turn it off completely
- Keep your phone in the back seat so you can’t reach it
- Use Bluetooth and or other hands-free technology
We hope you found this article informative. Please don’t become part of the scary statistics. There isn’t a text important enough to risk your life over.
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